During this inspirational hands-on class you will learn how to take a fresh deer skin and transform it into soft, supple, and luxurious buckskin for use in clothing, moccasins, bags and so much more. Participants will gain a whole new perspective when it comes to animal skin as they bring the hide through the various stages of the process that include:

• Soaking the hide
• Scraping away the hair & grain
• Rinsing, wringing & acidifying
• Membraning the flesh side
• Soaking the hide in emulsified oils
• Softening with cable & rack
• Smoking to waterproof & give color

In addition, students will also get a chance to explore other parts of the deer such as tools from bones, cordage from skin, glue from hide scrapes and hafting material from sinew. We will also explore various ways to use your new beautiful buckskin for clothes, bags & more. All tools, materials and supplies will be provided during this class and each student will leave with a fully tanned deerskin to take home and inspire their community with their new work of fully functional primitive art.